What to Wear to the Office: Tips to Dress for the Job You Want

Spending 35 years in the corporate world taught me many things. Some via experience and some through sincere advice from others. What to wear to the office wasn't one of them. I often heard, "Ya know they say dress for the job you want, not the job you have."

I got tired of hearing that until I had to ask myself, "What is it about me that makes people want to tell me that?" Fortunately, I started to listen and pay attention to what I wore to the office. It hit home early enough in my career to make a huge difference.

Why do I share that story? Whether taking the next step in your career or looking to refresh your professional wardrobe, elevating your office style is a powerful way to boost confidence and make a lasting impression. The right outfit signals ambition, competence, and professionalism. The nice thing is you accomplish that all without saying a word.

This guide will walk you through what to wear to the office. We'll offer actionable tips based on our timeless style principles to help you build a versatile and polished wardrobe that's both functional and stylish. Let's get to it.

Start with the Basics: Foundation Pieces Every Professional Needs

When considering what to wear to the office, think of it this way; you are building your personal brand. You need to start with a solid foundation when you build anything of substance. Therefore, before diving into trends or accessories, let's discuss your foundation. There are a few items that can be the foundation of your wardrobe:

Navy or Charcoal Suit: These colours are versatile and professional. They are appropriate for nearly any office setting. A well-tailored suit instantly elevates your look and shows you mean business.

Dress Shirts: They need to be crisp. Preferably, stick to classic colours like white or light blue. Look for high-quality cotton shirts that stay crisp throughout the day.

Leather Dress Shoes: A pair of black Oxfords or brown Derbies will cover most professional scenarios.

Dress Socks: And, yes, do not forget about socks. Dress socks made of fine material keep your feet comfortable and dry all day.

With these foundational items, you can mix and match to create a variety of looks without overloading your wardrobe.

Focus on Fit: Why Tailoring Matters

The finest suits won't do you any good if they don't fit properly. You'll never look the part of an executive when you're swimming in excess fabric. No matter how expensive your clothing is, an ill-fitting outfit will undermine your professional appearance.

Tom Ford once said, "A man should look as if he has bought his clothes with intelligence, put them on with care, and then forgotten all about them."

Investing in tailoring may sound like going overboard, but listen, it ensures that your clothes fit perfectly, allowing you to move comfortably while maintaining a sharp silhouette. It's a small detail that yields big results. It sets you apart in an office where many prefer convenience over fit.

Get Your Business Casual Attire in Order

Business casual dress codes in offices are becoming the norm. But that doesn't mean style should take a backseat. When you think about what to wear to the office, understand that looking relaxed doesn't mean you can't look polished.

Believe me, it will make you stand out. Without even realizing why, co-workers and, yes, managers will take note of how sharp you always look. Try out these suggestions the next time you're getting ready for work:

Wear a Blazer Over a Sweater: A structured blazer can elevate a simple sweater-and-trouser combo, keeping you warm and professional. But choose a thin material like merino wool for your sweater. You risk adding unnecessary bulk with thicker sweater material.

Choose Chinos Over Denim: While dark jeans can work in creative environments, chinos in neutral colours offer a more polished alternative.

Loafers or Brogues: These shoes strike the perfect balance between formal and casual. Loafers work especially well during the warmer months.

Don't skip 6 Business Casual Outfits for Men that Don't Play it Safe for more style inspiration.

Wear Accessories with Intention

With your foundation solid and locked down, you can think about accessories. But they can make or break your outfit. The key is to keep them simple and purposeful.

Ties: A silk tie can add polish even in a semi-formal setting. Opt for solid colours or subtle patterns in shades that complement your outfit.

Watches: A classic wristwatch exudes professionalism and attention to detail.

Belts: Always match your belt to your shoes—brown with brown, black with black.

Pocket Squares: A subtle white pocket square in a TV fold can put a cherry on top of an elegant outfit.

When in doubt, remember the adage: less is more. A few carefully chosen accessories will elevate your look without appearing overdone.

Choose Colours that Communicate Confidence

"Colours, like features, follow the changes of the emotions." – Pablo Picasso.

Picasso was spot on. Dress like a work of art! Why? Because colour psychology plays a subtle but powerful role in professional settings. Choose colours that align with your role and the message you want to convey:

• Navy Blue: Confidence and reliability.
• Grey: Neutral and balanced.
• Black: Authority and sophistication.
• Burgundy or Forest Green: Creativity with professionalism.

Experiment with colour through your ties, pocket squares, or shirts while keeping the rest of your outfit grounded in neutral tones.

What to Wear to the Office to Dress for the Job You Want

Your office style should align with your current role while declaring your aspirations. For instance, if you aim for a managerial position, embrace sharper tailoring and more formal elements like ties and cufflinks. Experiment with textures and patterns to show your personality if your workplace dress code has room for creativity.

Of course, clothing is only part of the equation. Proper grooming is essential to looking polished and professional. Ensure your hair is neat, your facial hair is trimmed, and your nails are clean. These small details reflect a sense of pride in your appearance and can leave a lasting impression.

Step Up Your Style

Understanding what to wear to the office is more than just picking out clothes—it's about crafting a personal brand that speaks to your ambition and professionalism. Investing in timeless pieces, paying attention to fit, and accessorizing thoughtfully allows you to build a wardrobe that works as hard as you do.

Never stop refining what you wear to the office. Explore more tips on refining your style. Download our eBook, Elements of Sophistication.

With these tips, you'll dress for the job you want and the career you deserve.

Elevate your office style with refined essentials.